No one is rooting for injuries, of course, but every time there is a major strain, break or tear, there are ripple effects. And one of the moves that very much appears to be breaking the Browns way–there have not been many of those in recent years–might just have broken even more in the team’s favor.

That’s because the Browns did well to take advantage of the desperation for the Jaguars to add a star element–Travis Hunter–to their mostly meh bunch at the draft last April by trading down from No. 2 to get a pile of assets from Jacksonville. That included, with other picks being swapped, the No. 5 overall pick (Mason Graham), and a second-round pick that was used on budding star running back Quinshon Judkins.

Most of all, it included the Jaguars‘ No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. As things stand, that pick is at No. 18 overall, with Jacksonville at 4-3. But the Jags have lost two in a row and some of the early momentum from the team has dissipated.

And now, Hunter is hurt, suffering a non-contact injury that had the Jaguars put him immediately on the injured reserve.

Browns Could Gain From Jaguars Pain

As of now, Jacksonville is not saying how long Hunter will be out, but the indications are not good. Non-contact knee injuries often–not always–lead to torn ligaments, and the fact that the Jags did not hesitate to make the move to put Hunter on the IR indicates this could be a season-ender.

That’s unfortunate for Hunter, who has been trying to find his role in the NFL after winning the Heisman Trophy as a star at both receiver and cornerback in college.

But, again, the Jaguars’ pain can be Cleveland’s gain. This is a team that was 4-13 last year, including 2-8 in its final 10 games, and closed the year at 1-5 after starting 8-3 two years ago. Strong finishes are not its forte, and the Hunter injury likely will take more wind out of the Jaguars’ sails.